View One: Overview of Parfleche Bags

This is an Asootsímaan, also called a Parfleche, from the Blackfoot Kainai (Blood) reserve. This is a 3-D image, not an actual photograph. The name Parfleche came from the French words parer (to defend or turn away) and fleche (arrow), and is a reference to shields made out of rawhide. This is a Parfleche bag, not a shield, but it is also made out of rawhide. Parfleche bags were used for storage and as carrying cases for things like food and personal items. This one is folded similarly to an envelope, but there were also containers shaped like cylinders and boxes. The envelope shape of this bag would prevent items from falling out and keep them safe from weather elements.